Wondering how to clean your waffle maker? Start simple: unplug it, let it cool, and wipe the plates with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid anything scratchy, and don't rinse it under the tap. If you want to freshen it up even more, make a cleaning waffle.

A cleaning waffle is the quickest way to freshen up your waffle iron between uses, or when it needs a deeper clean. It helps lift excess grease and residue from the plates, so your next waffle tastes just as it should. Think of it as a reset button: with heat from both top and bottom, the waffle iron is also handy for toasting and heating other foods – and if you've used it for anything other than waffles, we recommend making a cleaning waffle before you bake sweet waffles again.

How to make a cleaning waffle

1. Mix
   Stir the ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Pour
   Pour the batter into the waffle iron.
3. Bake
   Bake the waffle.
4. Done
   The waffle iron will be clean and as good as new.

When should you make a cleaning waffle?

• After cooking anything oily or savoury
• If the plates look a bit greasy
• Before baking sweet waffles after using the iron for other foods
• When the iron has been stored away for a while

Tips:

• Gently scrub the waffle iron with a dish brush and a little water first.